Supreme Court Extends Interim Protection From Arrest To Ex-IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar

Puja Khedkar

The Supreme Court has extended its interim order shielding former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar from arrest. She is accused of using forged documents to qualify for the 2022 UPSC examination.

A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma announced that the interim relief will remain in effect until April 21, when the matter is scheduled for its next hearing. The case was adjourned after Khedkar’s lawyer informed the court that although a counter-affidavit had been filed on her behalf, it was not visible in the official record.

Court Questions Delay In Probe

The apex court had earlier asked the Delhi Police to expedite their investigation. The bench questioned why the probe was still incomplete despite Khedkar submitting an affidavit expressing her willingness to cooperate. “She has said it on affidavit that she was willing to cooperate,” the court noted.

Her anticipatory bail plea will now be taken up on April 15.

Police Demand Custody For Wider Probe

Representing the Delhi Police, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju told the court that custodial interrogation of Khedkar was necessary to uncover a possible larger racket involving forged documents among UPSC aspirants. He suggested that the case could be part of a broader scam.

However, the bench observed that while it is important to trace the origin of the forged certificates, it may not be essential to place Khedkar in custody at this stage.

Accusations Of Misusing Reservation Benefits

Khedkar has challenged a Delhi High Court ruling that denied her anticipatory bail. In January, the Supreme Court granted her interim protection and directed her to assist investigators. She faces allegations of wrongly claiming benefits under the OBC and disability quotas to qualify for the UPSC exam.

Court’s Strong Words

While rejecting her bail earlier, the Delhi High Court strongly criticized Khedkar’s actions. The court called the case a “classic example of fraud, not only with a constitutional body but also with society and the nation as a whole.”

The High Court also emphasized that a thorough interrogation was necessary to uncover the extent of the conspiracy. It further noted that Khedkar’s parents held senior government roles, hinting at potential influence or misuse of power.

Facing Criminal Charges

Khedkar is currently under investigation by the Delhi Police, facing charges of cheating and illegal use of caste and disability reservations during the civil services selection process.